Good works cannot produce
salvation in whole, or in part. Christ alone is our Savior, and grace alone is
the cause of salvation (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 3:5). And, though it is
contrary to popular opinion, good works do not go before us into heaven to
prepare for our eternal happiness and reward there. Our works follow us into
heaven. But they do not go before us (Rev. 14:13). They shall follow us, not as
a basis of reward, but as our everlasting tribute to the grace of God for the
glory of his name. But good works are necessary.

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will
that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto
men... "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses,
that they be not unfruitful." there are three things for which good works are
necessary.

Ordained of God

Good works are necessary
because they are ordained of God as a means whereby we may honor him in this
world (Eph. 2:10). God's elect live in the world with an eye to his glory in
all things. We want to live in a manner that demonstrates our gratitude to him
for all his mercy and grace to us in Christ Jesus. We desire to live so that we
may both honor him before men and promote his honor among men (Matt. 5:16; John
15:8; 1 Pet. 2:12).

Adorn the Gospel

We must be careful to
maintain good works, because it is good for us personally to do so. By living
in a godly manner, maintaining good works, we adorn the doctrine of Christ
(Tit. 2:10), adorn our profession of faith (1 Tim. 2:9-10), and make our calling
and election sure (1 Pet. 2:10). Good works are not the basis of our assurance
(Read John 21:17). The basis of our assurance is faith in Christ, and only
faith in Christ (2 Tim. 2:12). Our good works make our faith sure to others. As
the fruits of grace, good works demonstrate to other people the reality of our
faith. This is the only evidence we can give to the world of our faith. And
this is the only evidence of our faith the world can understand. We show our
faith to the world around us (both believers and unbelievers) by our works
(James 2:18).

Profitable to Others

We must maintain good works
for the good of others. Good works are works performed by us for the benefit of
other people, especially of God's elect (Matt. 25:31-40; Phil. 2:4-5). Good
works, performed by God's saints, are sometimes a means of winning others to
Christ (1 Pet. 3:1-2). And good works are very profitable to others as an
example for them to follow (1 Tim. 4:12). The believer, by his example, is to
take the hands of his weaker, younger brethren, and lead them in the path of
obedience to Christ. Let us learn to maintain good works for these “necessary uses.”